How to Adjust Your Skin Care when You Travel

Courtesy of Aquaphor
Courtesy of Aquaphor

Sophia Panych, Allure magazine

Your skin is intimately connected to the environment, so going to a new climate throws off its natural moisture levels. You always need to give your skin a few days to readjust, but there are steps you can take and products you can pack to minimize any trouble.

An interview with Ellen Marmur, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New york City.

Prepare yourself.
Regardless of where you're traveling, start using the products you'll be taking with you three days before you leave, to acclimate your skin. Tone down drying or potentially irritating ingredients, like alpha hydroxy acids or retinols; wash with sulfate-free soap; and load up on creams and serums rich in emollients so your skin is well hydrated. Also, avoid unnecessary irritation, like peels and resurfacing treatments. Think of it as an elimination diet for your face.

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At the beach.
By nature, our skin loves humidity-when we're relaxing in the shade. The reality is that most of us are in and out of the water, both salt and chlorine, and washing off SPF with an extra shower before dinner-a regimen that's tough on the skin barrier. This means it's important to bring a gentle, milky cleanser that won't strip lipids from the skin: try Olay Foaming Facewash. And if you're on the oily side, pack a gel sunscreen, such as Bullfrog Gel Sunblock. The alcohol in these formulas reduces oil.

In the mountains. The most important thing you can do is protect yourself while you're outside. I recommend mineral sunscreens because in addition to blocking UV rays, they also block the elements. Keep a tube of Aquaphor in your coat to create a protective layer on lips and cheeks in case of harsh winds. At night, slather on a rich, creamy moisturizer, and if you're using a brightener or dark-spot remover, stick with it. The sun is intense at altitude and causes hyper-pigmentation in a short amount of time.

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In the desert. This climate won't throw off your skin too badly. What's key is staying hydrated without using heavy creams. Serums are the perfect weight in high temperatures, so choose one with nourishing ingredients, like algae derivatives, hyaluronic acid, or glycerol. During the day, don't forget to top it with sunscreen, and avoid applying too many anti-aging ingredients in the morning-leave those for bedtime.

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